Having a heating system breakdown during the cold winter months is something everyone wants to avoid. Maintaining your heating systems is vital to enjoying a comfortable winter season and can help you avoid expensive emergency service charges due to a sudden breakdown. Additionally, keeping your heating system exhaust (for many the exhaust is your chimney) clean is key to protecting your home, especially if wood burning is part of your winter heating strategy. Here are some general recommendations to stay warm and safe every winter:
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least annually. You may need to have your chimney cleaned more regularly if you use wood as a regular heat source.
- Burn only properly seasoned, untreated, hardwood.
- Inspect and service heat pumps, boilers, and furnaces annually by a qualified technician.
- Clean coils and clear vegetation on and around heat pumps regularly.
- Inspect filters monthly and change as needed in your heating systems.
- Inspect baseboard heat pipes for leaks and missing fins.
- Check and clean return and supply registers in the home.
TIP: Most chimney sweeps and home heating fuel providers can set homeowners up on an annual inspection and maintenance schedule. This can provide you with peace of mind that your systems will always be ready for the cooler seasons ahead.